Northern Dancer

Gr 4–8—Short and stocky for a thoroughbred, Northern Dancer did not immediately impress horse-racing aficionados. However, his bloodlines were excellent, and as a two-year-old he started his winning career, surprising everyone except those who knew him the best. Eventually, he would triumph at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and other elite races. Equally as important as his racing talent, he became one of the most successful sires in the world of thoroughbred racing. It is estimated that his offspring may have won more than a billion dollars. Unlike most racehorses, he was fortunate to spend all of his 29 years at the Canadian farm where he was born. Accompanied by numerous good-quality black-and-white and color photos, this is a well-written, interesting biography that horse enthusiasts and even casual readers will enjoy.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA